Do I need a Protein skimmer??

[charlie11]

I have a 250 gallon tank with ocean clear filter there seems to always be a film on the top of the water. I will be getting a fx5 soon. will this help with the problem or do I need a skimmer.

I have piranhas and feed them beef heart, salmon, and other fish.

 

[12 Volt Man]

no, its not that effective in freshwater.

the film is just from the oils and proteins from the food you are feeding, it won't hurt anything.

 

[Toby_H]

^ good stuff...

No freshwater tank "needs" a protein skimmer...

Anything that breaks the surface and circulates water from the surface throughout the tank will prevent the oils from building up on the surface.

Using Carbon or some other "chemcial filtration" will then remove the oils from the water column...

But they don't hurt anything. Other than being a bit of an eyesore...